Trends and variations in perinatal mortality and low birthweight: The contribution of socio-economic factors

Objective: To examine trends and regional variations in perinatal mortality and low birthweight (LBW) and regional variations in socioeconomic risk fa ctors. Methods: Population-based study of Central West Region of Ontario with appr oximately 28,000 births annually during the period 1988-1995 using vital st atistics records and Census data. Results and Conclusions: There was no significant change in the perinatal m ortality rate averaging 9.4 per 1,000 births per year. The LBW rate increas ed from 49.7 to 54.8 per 1,000, while the prematurity rare increased from 5 6.1 to 75.8 per 1,000. Significant variation occurred in outcomes among dif ferent regions, which was partially explained by socio-economic factors. Th e increases in LBW and prematurity rate emphasize the need for effective ta rgeted services and programs. In their planning and implementation, regiona l variations in socio-economic factors, and other factors such as: the avai lability and utilization of services and barriers to access, in services, r equire further evaluation and consideration.